Kitchen Gadgets: Thermomix, Rice Cookers and Smart Ovens — 2026-09-04
Bosch has significantly repositioned its Cookit multicooker with a new price structure and AI features, directly challenging Vorwerk’s Thermomix TM7 in the German market. Meanwhile, Xiaomi has launched a new rice cooker featuring titanium composite pots and 3D IH heating, while IFA 2026 preparations highlight a surge in Chinese appliance exhibitors.
Kitchen Gadgets: Thermomix, Rice Cookers and Smart Ovens — 2026-09-04
Top developments
Bosch Restructures Cookit Lineup with AI Assistant and Price Cuts
Bosch has officially re-launched its Cookit multicooker, introducing three new equipment packages and integrating an AI assistant to enhance user guidance. This strategic move includes a price reduction, positioning the Cookit as a more aggressive competitor against the premium Thermomix TM7. The update aims to capture market share in Germany by offering high-end smart cooking features at a more accessible entry point.
Xiaomi Launches Rice Cooker with Titanium Pot and 3D IH Heating
Xiaomi has released a new rice cooker available in 3L and 4L sizes, featuring a titanium composite inner pot and 1300W wrap-around 3D induction heating (IH). The device offers nine distinct cooking modes, including premium rice, quick rice, and waterless baking, targeting consumers seeking versatility and durability. This launch reinforces Xiaomi’s strategy of bringing premium materials like titanium into the mid-range smart kitchen appliance segment.
IMTEST Reviews Thermomix TM7 and Alternatives
German consumer magazine IMTEST has published a detailed comparison of seven multicookers with cooking functions, highlighting the Thermomix TM7’s performance against budget alternatives. The review identifies the TM7 as the top performer for both beginners and professionals, though it notes significant price differences among competitors. The analysis provides critical data for consumers weighing the high cost of Vorwerk’s flagship against emerging rivals like the newly updated Bosch Cookit.
Local view
In South Korea, media reports indicate intensifying competition among home appliance manufacturers, with mid-sized companies aggressively expanding their product portfolios to "destroy" competitors' territories in the kitchen appliance sector. This shift is driven by companies that previously relied on specific niche products now diversifying into broader kitchen ecosystems, challenging established giants.
Context & numbers
The global induction hob market is experiencing robust growth, driven by regulatory restrictions on gas appliances and consumer demand for energy efficiency. Induction cooktops transfer up to 90% of energy to food, compared to 74% for electric and 40% for gas, a key metric influencing adoption rates in regions with strict energy policies.
Regarding trade shows, IFA Berlin 2026 is seeing a record participation from Chinese brands, with approximately 900 exhibitors expected, nearly half of the total. This surge highlights the growing influence of Chinese manufacturers in the global smart home and kitchen appliance sectors, moving beyond concepts to mass-market AI-driven products.
On the radar
- Xiaomi Malaysia Launch: Xiaomi is scheduled to launch five new smart home appliances in Malaysia on September 9, 2026, including a double-stack air fryer and front-load washers, starting from RM899.
- IFA 2026 Previews: As IFA approaches, watch for specific reveals from major brands regarding AI-integrated ovens and refrigerators, with Chinese brands expected to dominate the "smart kitchen" category displays.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
Powered by
